Description:

A need shared by all communities is a clean environment that supports a sustainable food system
and promotes human health. The current food system does not model environmental, social, or
economic sustainability. Therefore, the challenge is to develop and support a new food system
that creates sustainability for people, prosperity, and the planet. Local food systems reduce
chemical use and transportation food miles, reconnect consumers and producers, teach people
about food, and create a more resilient local economy.

Objective:

To support a burgeoning urban food system in the mid-west, this innovative project
will develop the Urban Food Leadership Co-op (UFLC).

Approach:

The UFLC will improve the viability of an urban food system by 1) reducing
transaction costs and cost of entry, 2) providing focused training for parties with little or no
experience in food production and marketing, 3) facilitating the movement of goods into the food
system through local farmers markets, and 4) ensuring continued mentoring and support of
participants. The UFLC will increase the diversity of participants in the food system by
recruiting women, minority, and part-time market gardeners interested in growing food for both
their own families and local food systems.

Expected Results:

Researchers will quantify the benefits of the project for the following
outcomes based upon the project’s goals and objectives

A reduction in informational transaction costs of starting a new market garden

An increase in the number of people growing food for personal consumption or sale

An increase in the amount of land in produce production

A reduction in food miles traveled to supply urban consumers with produce

An increased understanding and appreciation of how local food can benefit people and the planet

Supplemental Keywords:

local food system, leadership, transaction costs,

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.